Dog owners should be aware that new regulations have come into force covering mandatory identification of dogs using microchip technology. (S.I. No. 63/2015 – Microchippng of Dogs Regulations 2015). From Sept all new puppies need to be microchipped, and by March 2016 the regulations will cover dogs of all ages. MGRA welcomes any initiatives that will promote responsible dog ownership. While the majority of dog owners in the estate are conscientious and considerate to neighbours, we do have some ongoing problems where dogs are not properly controlled by a minority of their owners.
As well as the new legislation, there are a number of other regulations and by laws that must be adhered to. These are primarily the
- Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965
- Control of Dogs Act 1986 as amended by the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Act 1992
Under these laws all dogs must be covered by a dog licence (available from your local post office or DLRCC), all dogs should have an identification tag, dogs must be kept under control by their owners when in a public place and owners must ensure there is not excessive barking which causes a nuisance to neighbours.
In addition, under the Litter Pollution Act 1997 it is an offence to allow a dog under your control to foul a public place. This means the owner/person in charge of the dog is required under this law to remove dog faeces and dispose of it in a suitable, sanitary manner.
Further information on these issues is available at
http://www.dlrcoco.ie/aboutus/councildepartments/environment/findit/animalcontrol/
http://www.dlrcoco.ie/aboutus/councildepartments/environment/findit/greendogwalkers/
http://www.dspca.ie/DogOwnersLegalResponsiblities
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